2025 Rhode Island EMS Recertification Process

Rhode Island Department of Health plans for and oversees licensing of, emergency medical services in the state. We’ve outlined the recertification process for Rhode Island, provided some helpful links, and answered frequently asked questions.

Information on this page was accurate at time of publishing (January 2022) and is regularly reviewed and updated. Always confirm the rules, regulations, and processes with your local EMS authorities. If you notice any inaccurate or out-of-date information, please let us know so we can make corrections.

RHODE ISLAND EMS RECERTIFICATION GUIDE

Does Rhode Island follow the NREMT’S NCCP Model?

The State of Rhode Island follow the NREMT’s NCCP model. Upon completion of the course and the successful passing of the NREMT practical and cognitive exams, you will receive an NREMT certificate which you can use to apply for licensure in the state of Rhode Island. Renewal notices are sent out 60 days prior to expiration in the state of Rhode Island and those who are eligible can renew on Rhode Island Department of Health’s website. Additional recertification options can be found here.

Get started now with Code One’s Online EMT Recertification Program

What are the levels of EMS providers in Rhode Island?

Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technician-Cardiac

Paramedic 

Scope of practice of each level of EMS provider can be found on Rhode Island Statewide

Emergency Medical Services Protocols.

What about CE Requirements:

Rhode Island follows the NCCP model for renewing EMS licenses.

EMRs are required to complete 16 continuing education hours.

EMTs are required to complete 40 continuing education hours

AEMT – Cardiac are required to complete 50 continuing education hours.

Paramedics are required to complete 60 continuing education hours.

ONLINE RECERTIFICATION WITH CODE ONE:

Code One offers Online NREMT Recertification courses for each level of EMS Provider (these courses are also approved for recertification use in Rhode Island):

• Online EMT Recertification Course – Consists of 40 hours of online content which satisfies all continuing education requirements. Participants attend 16 hours (or more if desired) of training as live (F5) virtual instructor-led courses in an online webinar. Live courses are scheduled weekdays between 10am and 6pm with 5 courses offered per day (additional evening and weekend sessions are scheduled during February and March). The remaining 24 hours are pre-recorded distributive education (F3) which may be completed anytime. Register Here
• Online AEMT Recertification Course – Consists of 50 hours of online content which satisfies all continuing education requirements. Participants attend 21.5 hours (or more if desired) of training as live (F5) virtual instructor-led courses in an online webinar. Live courses are scheduled weekdays between 10am and 6pm with 5 courses offered per day (additional evening and weekend sessions are scheduled during February and March). The remaining 28.5 hours are pre-recorded distributive education (F3) which may be completed anytime. Register Here
• Online Paramedic Recertification Course – Consists of 60 hours of online content which satisfies all continuing education requirements. Participants attend 25 hours (or more if desired) of training as live (F5) virtual instructor-led courses in an online webinar. Live courses are scheduled weekdays between 10am and 6pm with 5 courses offered per day (additional evening and weekend sessions are scheduled during February and March). The remaining 35 hours are pre-recorded distributive education (F3) which may be completed anytime. Register Here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I COMPLETE ALL OF MY CONTINUING EDUCATION ONLINE?

Yes. Code One’s Online EMT Recertification course provides all required continuing education hours in a flexible virtual format. Participants complete a combination of scheduled live courses in a virtual conference room and distributive pre-recorded courses which may be completed at any time.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LIMITS ON DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION?

EMT Recertification limits distributive education (pre-recorded) course hours. Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) courses are conducted in real-time via webinar and are approved in the F5 category by the NREMT. There is no limit for hours that can be obtained through VILT.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR LIVE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING THROUGH THE ONLINE EMT RECERTIFICATION COURSE?

Live courses are scheduled on weekdays from 10am to 6pm with five courses offered per day. There are additional evening and Saturday sessions scheduled during February and March. Most classes are one hour in length.

IF I RENEW MY NREMT CERTIFICATION, DO I STILL NEED TO GET A STATE CERTIFICATION?

EMTs need a state certification to practice. The EMT can easily submit their updated NREMT certification through the state licensing portal to obtain updated state EMT certification.

Helpful Resources:

• Get Licensed or New License in Rhode Island

NREMT Recertification Information for EMR | EMT | AEMT | Paramedic